CHAMPS NY is a statewide coalition of advocates and providers working for policy and practice change to support children, families, and caregivers in child welfare. As such, we implore Governor Cuomo to sign S.8834/A.10581, sponsored by Senator Montgomery and Assembly Members Wright, Barrett, Jaffe, and Hevesi. This measure, if enacted, would authorize children who have “aged out” of foster care to return to care without waiting for court approval during the COVID-19 state of emergency. This initiative, when coupled with earlier protocols published by the Office for Children and Families, will provide for a stronger safety net for young adults aging out of foster care during this pandemic.
Read the full letter here.